What is fiber optics and how does it work? This is a question that many people ask themselves.
Although we all recognise this term, not many know in detail what fiber optics is and how it works.
We tell you all about it below.
Spain is one of the European countries where fiber optics is most widespread and developed. However, many people are unaware of how it works, as well as its advantages over other methods. Below, you can find out exactly what fiber optic fiber is, as well as learn more about its most important characteristics.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, in 2018, 81% of Spanish households enjoyed internet at home with more than 100Mbps. This makes Spain the country with the most extensive fiber network (FTTH) in Europe, with more than 43 million accesses. Axartel continues to do its bit by increasing its fiber optic network in the Axarquía region, reaching even those areas that are not very attractive to large companies. Nerja, Torrox, Torre del Mar, Almayate, Benamocarra... are some of the areas where Axartel's fiber optic is already available. But this is not all, we are still working to reach more areas of the Axarquía.
But... what exactly is fiber optic? From a technical point of view, the optical fiber is formed by a wire whose interior contains glass filaments. This cable is a channel for the transmission of light impulses, which contain data, and which are created by a transmitter. On reaching an optical receiver, the light is converted into electrical impulses. Thanks to this structure, a more stable and faster Internet connection is achieved.
Advantages of fiber optics over ADSL
The structure and characteristics that form part of the fiber optic network give it great advantages over ADSL. Some of the most outstanding are:
- Reduced signal loss.
- Greater connection stability.
- Great increase in speed, both upstream and downstream.
- Greater bandwidth, favoring the connection of a greater number of devices without suffering a drop in speed.
- A more secure network.
What types of fiber optics are there?
Among the most commercially available types of fiber optics, there are two main ones:
- FTTH
- HFC
In the first case, FTTH fiber means Fiber to home, it means, fiber to the home. This type of connection guarantees that it is direct to the home, offering high quality and symmetrical speed.
On the other hand, HFC fiber (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) is translated as Fiber-Coaxial. Unlike FTTH fiber, in this case there is an intermediate node that subsequently connects with each home thanks to a coaxial wire, i.e., it does not reach the home directly. The main disadvantages are that its speed is slightly lower than that of FTTH fiber, as well as not being symmetrical, so the upload speed is much lower compared to the download speed.
Both types of fiber offer advantages over ADSL. However, FTTH fiber provides a direct connection to the home, which is faster and more symmetrical. Also, HFC fiber can suffer from interference due to the existence of the coaxial wire, which is not the case with FTTH. Therefore, it can be concluded that FTTH fiber offers better results and great performance compared to HFC.
At Axartel we are committed to bringing FTTH fiber optic to every corner of the Axarquia, as it is the only one that guarantees the real speed of the connection. In addition, we have the perfect tariff for you, whether with 20Mb, 300Mb or 600Mb. Find out if we have coverage in your area and get information without obligation.
